Friday, August 31, 2012

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is a full fledged online travel agency which provides wide range of travel and tourism services and products through its websites. This includes complete range of IRCTC tourism packages, hotels, cab rentals, air tickets, Railway tickets etc. IRCTC has taken a number of steps on an ongoing basis to develop new business areas such as non railway catering, central kitchen, executive lounges, budget hotels on non railway land etc. to boost its profitability.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

The Committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary is comprised of Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister; Defence Secretary; Secretary, Department of Expenditure; Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen`s Welfare and Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training. Consequent to change in charge of the then Secretary, Department of Expenditure to Department of Revenue, Secretary, Department of Revenue has also been co-opted as a Member of the Committee. Chief of Naval Staff & Chairman, Chiefs of the Staff Committee made a presentation to the Committee. The Committee further interacted with all the Service Chiefs (Chief of Naval Staff & Chairman, Chiefs of the Staff Committee; Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Army Staff). The recommendations of the Committee have been submitted to the Prime Minister.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Arvind Kumar Singh and others in Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib

The Unit Run Canteen (URC) employees are getting paid as per the rules regulating the terms and conditions of the services of the civilian employees of the URCs, issued by Army Headquarters in April 2003. These rules were made as per the directions of Hon`ble Supreme Court of India dated 4th January 2001, in the case of Union of India Vs. M. Aslam and others.
It has been held by the Hon`ble Supreme Court, in its order dated 28.4.2009, in the case of R.R. Pillai vs. Commanding Officer HQ SAC (U), that employees of URC are not Government Servants. Hence, the benefits of Sixth Pay Commission are not applicable to them. However, the basic pay of URC employees was enhanced by 50% w.e.f. 1.2.2009 and by another 15% w.e.f. 1.12.2009.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Veer Singh in Rajya Sabha today.

In view of the acceptance of the Justice Dharmadhikari Committee Report on pay and wage rationalization of Air India by the Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ajit Singh, it has been decided to discontinue payment of Productivity Linked Incentives (PLI) to the employees of Air India w.e.f.1st July, 2012. From 1st July, 2012 onward, employees of Air India shall be paid salary and allowances as per the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines. However, Ministry of Civil Aviation shall approach the Union Cabinet for payment of flying allowances and some other allowances to be paid to the pilots, licensed engineers and cabin crews as per the industry standard.

As per Justice Dharmadhikari Committee recommendations, Profit/ Productivity Related Pay (PRP) would be introduced in place of PLI to maintain efficient working of employees. However, PRP shall be determined on the achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like yield, aircraft utilization, passenger load factor, on-time performance and revenue achievement. PRP shall be given only after the Company starts making profit.

Air India management has already constituted an Implementation-cum-Anomalies Rectification Committee for implementation of pay and allowances to its employees on the basis of recommendation of Justice Dharmadhikari Committee Report. This exercise is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Source:PIB

Subject- Clarification on the admissibility of House Rent Allowance (HRA) during the Child Care Leave (CCL) – Reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Para 6(a)(i) of this Ministry’s O.M.No.2(37)-E.II(B)/64 dated 27.11.1965, as amended from time to time, on regulation of House Rent Allowance during Leave which stipulates that a Government servant is entitled to draw HRA…..during total leave of all kinds not exceeding 180 days and the first 180 days of the leave if the actual duration of leave exceeds that period, but does not include terminal leave, ….. It has also been stipulated, thereunder, that drawal of the allowance (HRA) during the period of leave in excess of first 180 day availed of on grounds other than medical grounds mentioned in sub-para (ii), shall be subject to furnishing of the certificate prescribed in Para 8(d) of the O.M. ibid.

2. This Ministry has been receiving representations from the female employees that certain Central Government Ministries / Department / Establishments are not allowing HRA during the Child Care Leave (CCL), especially when taken in continuation of Maternity Leave of 180 days. The reason for their reluctance may be the fact that CCL has been first introduced on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission, though the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), vide their O.M .No 13018/1/2010-Estt.(Leave) dated 07.09.2010 inter-alia, reiterated that the leave (CCL) is to be treated like Earned Leave and sanctioned as such.

3. It is, therefore, clarified that the ‘total leave of all kinds’ as referred to in Para 6(a) of this Ministry’s OM dated 27.1.65 ibid, will include Child Care Leave for regulating grant of HRA during leave, subject to fulfiment of all other conditions stipulated thereunder, from time to time. It is also clarified that drawal of HRA during leave (including CCL) in excess of first 180 days, if otherwise admissible, shall be subject to furnishing of the certificate prescribed in Para 8(d).

4. These orders take effect from 01.09.2008. HRA during CCL, if not paid to women employees who are entitled to it as per this clarification, may be reconsidered, if so requested by the concerned employee.

Monday, August 27, 2012

With a view to reduce the scope for misuse, Tatkal tickets are issued on production of self attested photocopy of one of the prescribed proof of identity and the same in original is required to be carried during the journey, to verify the bonafide of passengers. However, during peak rush periods when the demand outstrips the availability, some cases of black marketing of reserved tickets by touts come to notice at the time of surprise inspections and preventive checks conducted at reservation offices.

During the period from April 2012 to June 2012, a large number of checks were conducted during which 930 unauthorized agents/touts were apprehended/prosecuted.

During the current financial year (upto June 2012), Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has permanently deactivated 14 subagents for involvement in irregularities. Moreover, with a view to keep a check on the activities of agents booking Tatkal tickets, following additional steps have been taken:

1.The timing of opening of reservation of Tatkal tickets has been changed to 1000 hours on the previous day of journey instead of 0800 hours as per earlier provision.

2.Access to Tatkal bookings has been denied to agents both through internet as well as across the computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters between 1000 hours & 1200 hours.

3.Captcha has been introduced to check fraudulent booking on internet through automation software.

4.Booking of only two tickets per IP address between 1000 hours and 1200 hours is permitted to avoid multiple booking from same office/internet café.

5.Quick book option and booking on cash card is not allowed between 1000 hours and 1200 hours.

6.Individual users can also book only two tickets between 1000 hours and 1200 hours.

7.No refund is granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets except under special circumstances like cancellation of train, late running of train by more than three hours, etc.

8.Duplicate Tatkal tickets are not issued except on payment of full fare.

9.Facility of change of name is not available under this scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib

Q.1 What is the objective behind setting up of Central Administrative Tribunal?

Ans. To provide in-expensive and speedy relief to Central Government Employees in respect of their grievances related to service matters.

Q.2 What are the jurisdiction of a Central Administrative Tribunal?

Ans. CAT adjudicates disputes with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or other local authorities within the territory of India or under the control of Government of India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Q.3 What are the qualifications for appointment as Chairman and other Members of the Tribunal?

Ans. (1) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairman unless he it, or has been, a Judge of a High Court:

Provided that a person appointed as Vice-Chairman before the commencement of this Act shall be qualified for appointment as Chairman if such person has held the office of the Vice-Chairman at least for a period of two years.

(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment,-

(a) as an Administrative Member, unless he has held for at least two years the post of Secretary to the Government of India or any other post under the Central or State government and carrying the scale of pay which is not less than that of a Secretary to the Government of India for at least two years or held a post of Additional Secretary to the Government of India for at least five years or any other post under the Central or State Government carrying the scale of pay .which is not less than that of Additional Secretary to the Government of India at least for a period of five years.

Provided that the officers belonging to All India Services who were or are on Central deputation to a lower post shall be deemed to have held the post of Secretary or Additional Secretary, as the case may be, from the date such officers were granted proforma promotion or actual promotion whichever is earlier to the level of Secretary or Additional Secretary, as the case may be, and the period spent on Central deputation after such date shall count for qualifying service for the purpose of this clause;

(b) as a Judicial Member, unless he is or qualified to be a Judge of a High Court or he has for at least two years held the post of a Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Legal Affairs or the Legislative Department including Member-Secretary, Law Commission of India or held a post of Additional secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department at least for a period of five years.

Q.4 Where are the benches of Central Administrative Tribunals located?

Ans. There are 17 Benches of the Tribunal, located throughout the country wherever the seat of a High Court is located, with 33 pision Benches. In addition, circuit sittings are held at Nagpur, Goa, Aurangabad, Jammu, Shimla, Indore, Gwalior, Bilaspur, Ranch’, Pondicherry, Gangtok, Port Blair, Shillong, Agartala, Kohima, Imphal, Itanagar, Aizwal and Nainital.

Q.5 What are the limitations of admitting an application?

Ans. As per Section 21 of the Administrative Tribunal Act, 1985 :- (1) A Tribunal shall not admit an application,-

(a) In a case where a final order such as is mentioned in clause (a) of sub- (2) of section 20 has been made in connection with the grievance unless the application is made, within one year from the date on which such final order has been made;

(b) In a case where an appeal or representation such as is mentioned in clause (6) of sub-section (2) of section 20 has been made and a period of six months had expired thereafter without such final order having been made within one year from the date of expiry of the said period of six months.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where —

(a) the grievance in respect of which an application. is made had arisen by reason of any order made at any time during the period of three years immediately preceding the date on which the jurisdiction, powers and authority of the Tribunal becomes exercisable under this Act in respect of the mater to which such order relates; and

(b) no proceedings for the redressal of such grievance had been commenced before the said date before any High Court,

the application shall be entertained by the Tribunal if it is made within the period referred to in clause (a), or, as the case may be, clause (b). of sub section (1) or within a period of six months from the said date, whichever period expires later.

3. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section(2), an application may be admitted after the period of one year specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) or, as the case may be, the period of six months specified in sub-section (2), if the applicant satisfies the Tribunal that he had sufficient cause for not making the application within such period.

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Union Public Service Commission will be conducting Interviews/Personality Tests for Geologists Examination, 2011 from 27-08-2012 to 07-09-2012 in the Commission’s office at New Delhi. Summon Letters for PT/Interview to all the eligible candidates are being issued and if any candidate has not received the same, he/she may contact on Tel.No.011-23386267 or can send message on Fax No.011-23387310. The eligible candidates may also contact UPSC Facilitation Counter near Gate “C” of its campus in person or over Telephone Nos. 011-23385271/23381125/23098543 on all working days between 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. The Schedule of Interviews/Personality Tests is also available on Union Public Service Commission Website at http://www.upsc.gov.in.

As on date, 24,969 Departmental Post Offices have been computerised. Out of 24,969 computerised Departmental Post Offices 22,177 Post offices are having internet connectivity.

In Rajasthan Circle, 1320 Departmental Post Offices have been computerized and out of these 1320 computerized Post offices 1299 have internet facility.

The Government has approved IT Modernization Project of Department of Posts. It involves computerization and networking of all Post Offices through network integrator of the project including Branch Post Offices in the rural area. The roll out of the Project is expected in the year 2013-14 subject to finalization of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Rural Hardware, timely implementation of the project and availability of funds.

This was stated by Shri Sachin Pilot, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in response to a written question in Rajya Sabha today.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The following are the lists, in order of merit, in respect of 427 (*Men 327 + ^Women 100) candidates who have finally qualified on the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2011 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and Interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the (i) *Officers Training Academy, Chennai, for 96th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) and (ii) ^Officers Training Academy, Chennai, 10th Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course, commencing in OCTOBER, 2012. The list of 96th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) also includes the names of the candidates who were recommended earlier on the basis of the result of the same examination for admission to Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course(s).

The number of vacancies as intimated by the Government, for (i) 96th Short Service Commission Course (for Men) is 175 and for (ii) 10th Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course is 25.

The results of Medical Examination of candidates have not been taken into account in preparing the merit list. The candidature of all the candidates is Provisional. Verification of Date of Birth and Educational Qualification of these Candidates will be done by Army HQ.

Candidates can also obtain information regarding results by accessing to UPSC web-site http.//www.upsc.gov.in. However, marks of the candidates will be available within 15 days from the date of declaration of final results on Commission’s website for 60 days.

Union Public Service Commission have a Facilitation Counter near Examination Hall Building in its Campus. Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding their examination on working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, in person or over telephone No. 011-23385271, 011-23381125 and 011-23098543 from this Counter.

All establishments of the Government of India are implementing the policy of reservation in services in all Groups including Group ‘B’ and ‘C’.

Number of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC) and General category candidates appointed by direct recruitment in Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts during the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 is given in the following table:

Group B

Group C

2008

2009

2010

2008

2009

2010

SC

340

566

602

8369

10851

9895

ST

112

289

286

4848

6750

6832

OBC

367

1246

1117

13706

20405

17963

General

682

2060

2495

20725

58614

37921

1501

4161

4500

47648

96620

72611

This was stated by Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension and Prime Minister Office in written reply to a question by Sh. Shadi Lal Batra in the Rajya Sabha today.

. In accordance with extant. instructions of the Railway Board as contained in note(i) of para 633 of IRMM Vol-I Edition 2000, Railway Employees (serving & retiring) drawing basic pay of Rs 4875/ per month and above...(Pre revised pay scales) were provided with facilities of 'special. wards. With the implementation of the recommendations of VI th CPC..there have been increase in the pay drawn by the Railway employees. but there are no instructions from the Railway Board for revision of the ceiling limit for the purpose of special wards
NFIR suggests that keeping the ceiling fixed earlier in view.. Railway Fmployeees drawing GP 4200/- and above and availing the facility of First class pass may be allowed facility of special wards. for which fresh guidelines need to be issued by the Railway Board

3 It has also been reported to the NFIR in almost all cities including metros there are no non-AC accommodation available in all the hospitals including empanelled hospitals ,the policy on accommodation in favour of Railway Employees where cases of Medical treatment are referred. to such referral Hospital, needs such. revision making available suitable accommodation including shared AC accommodation. The Railway authorities in the Zonal/Divisional hospitals at present in the case of all non-gazetted staff drawing GP 4200,-(PB-2) and more are restricting these cases to General wards only. which is not fair at the facilities once extended can not be withdrawn arbitrarily.
In view of the foregoing NFIR request. the Ministry of Railways(Railway Board) to issue fresh ceiling limit based on VIth CPC Grades Pay - Pay Band and detailed guidelines for allotment accommodation for the employees/spouse/wards at and early date. A copy of the instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

The provisions for giving reservation in employment and promotion to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes employees in Ordnance Factory Board are applied to all posts Gazetted/Non-Gazetted/Non-lndustrial Employees/Industrial Employees, as per instructions/rules of Department of Personnel and Training. For Group `A` officers the reservation is applied only up to lowest rung in recruitment only.

Vacancies arising on year to year basis are filled up. Sometime due to non-availability of a few candidates some SC/ST backlog vacancies remain unfilled for sometime. This is regularly reviewed by Ordnance Factory Board/Ministry of Defence.

This information was given by Ministry of State for Defence Shri MM PallamRaju in a written reply to Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste in Rajya Sabha today.

Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission and several improvements made thereon by the Government have been largely well received by the armed forces personnel including ex-servicemen. Some issues regarding service conditions, pay, pension and allowances have subsequently been received. These issues are examined by the Government on case to case basis.

In the matter relating to retirement benefits, an Anomaly Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Defence/Finance). This Committee identified some anomalies which have since been addressed to by the Government.

Improvement of service conditions, pay, allowances and retirement benefits of armed forces personnel is a continuous process. Recently, a Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary has been set up to look into certain issues of relevance to the defence service personnel and ex-servicemen and to provide suitable recommendations.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Mohd. Ali Khan in Rajya Sabha today.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Itanagar: The chairman of Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board, Jalley Sonam urged trade union leaders of various states to take safety measures for the people of the northeast residing in other states like Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Sonam, who is also the convenor of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) for the northeastern states and working president of Arunachal Pradesh, wrote separate letters to various INTUC leaders of states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and INTUC national president G Sanjeeva Reddy to ensure safety and security of the northeastern people working in their respective states.

Expressing grave concern over the reported fleeing of northeastern people from various states, which was triggered by rumours through social networking sites and text messages via mobile phones, Sonam said the feeling of insecurity being brought about by the people of our country is a fatal threat to national integration.

He also made fervent appeal to other northeast trade union leaders to put persistent pressure on trade union leaders of the concerned states to provide security to NE people, including students.
Source:TOI

Following is the text of Prime Minister’s opening remarks at the All Party meeting on Reservation in promotions in New Delhi today:

“Dear colleagues, I have called this meeting to discuss the issue of reservation in promotion specifically in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of U.P. Power Corporation Ltd. vs. Rajesh Kumar & Ors. wherein the Court has struck down provision of reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in the State of UP.

You may be aware that the Government had always been committed to protect the interests of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and on certain occasions did not hesitate even to bring constitutional amendments.

You may recall that the Supreme Court in its judgment dated 16.11.1992 in the case of Indra Sawhney had, inter alia, held that reservation in promotion is ultra vires but allowed its continuation for five years from the date of judgment as a special case. The 77th amendment to the Constitution was made in 1995 inserting clause (4A) to Article 16 before expiry of five year which enabled the Government to continue reservation for SCs and STs in promotion.

Clause (4A) of the Constitution was further modified through 85th amendment so as to give benefit of consequential seniority to SC/ST candidates promoted by reservation.

The 81st amendment was made to the Constitution whereby clause (4/B) was incorporated in Article 16 of the Constitution which permits to treat the backlog reserved vacancies as a separate and distinct group, to which the limit of 50% may not apply. This enables the Government to launch Special Recruitment Drives to fill up the backlog vacancies reserved for SCs/STs and OBCs. During the Drive of 2004, more than 60,000 backlog reserved vacancies were filled up. The Special Recruitment Drive, 2008 has already resulted in filling up of 43,781 vacancies.

The 82nd amendment was made to the Constitution whereby a proviso was incorporated in Article 335 of the Constitution which enabled the State to give relaxations/concessions to the SC and ST candidates in the matter of promotion.

The aforesaid four Constitutional amendments were made in order to protect the interests of the backward classes including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The validity of all these four Amendments were challenged before the Supreme Court through various writ petitions clubbed together in M. Nagaraj & others vs. Union of India & others mainly on the ground that these altered the basic structure of the Constitution.

In order to ensure that the case of Government is put effectively before the Supreme Court, Shri K.Parasaran, an eminent lawyer, having the experience of defending the interests of weaker sections, was engaged with the approval of the then Law Minister. It was through the efforts of the Government that the Supreme Court in its judgment dated 19.10.2006 in the matter of M. Nagaraj & others v. Union of India & others upheld the validity of all these four amendments. However, the Court stipulated that the concerned State will have to show in each case the existence of the compelling reasons, namely, backwardness, inadequacy of representation and overall administrative efficiency before making provision for reservation. The Court further held that the impugned provision is an enabling provision. If the State Government wish to make provision for reservation to SCs and STs in promotion, the State has to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment in addition to compliance of Article 335.

There were some Court cases filed in different states on the ground that the pre-requisite conditions as laid down by the Supreme Courts in M. Nagaraj case have not been observed while providing reservation in promotion. In the recent past the Supreme Court has struck down reservation in promotion in some states. The Government is exploring the possible solution of the current situation. Your suggestions will be of immense help to the Government to decide on the issue. I request you to provide your valuable suggestions so that a legally sustainable solution may be arrived at.”

Government are pleased to order that Onam Advance of Rs. 10,000/- will be paid to all Government employees. The amount will be paid in multiples of Rs. 500/- subject to maximum of Rs. 10,000/-. The amount of advance will be recovered in fice equal monthly instalments as useal. The advance will be drawn and disbursed from 23.08.2012 onwards.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Indian Railways have taken various measures to facilitate access to general as well as Tatkal reservation by common man. Accordingly, more than 2900 computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) locations have been opened and facility of booking through internet has also been provided. However, during peak rush periods when the demand outstrips the availability, some cases of black marketing of railway tickets by touts come to notice at the time of surprise inspections and preventive checks conducted at reservation offices. During the period from April 2012 to June 2012, large numbers of checks were conducted during which 930 unauthorized agents/touts were apprehended/prosecuted. In order to reduce the scope of cornering of tickets by touts and also to balance the load on the computerized PRS as well as on internet, with effect from 10.07.2012, the timing of opening of reservation of Tatkal tickets has been changed to 1000 hours on the previous day of journey instead of 0800 hours as per earlier provision. These changes have resulted in even distribution of load on PRS and internet and better availability of Tatkal as well as general tickets on the opening days of reservation on internet.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even number dated 4.5.2012 on the subject mentioned above. SSC has now furnished a merit wise list containing the names of 132
candidates who had qualified the LDCE, 2003 and their ACR dossiers were called for by the Staff Selection Commission but could not be recommended for appointment due to non-availability of sufficient number of vacancies in the Select List year 2003 under LDCE mode for UDC (copy enclosed).

All cadre units are requested to confirm that the candidates mentioned in the list are still in CSCS cadre and furnish the information in the enclosed proforma.

The undersigned is directed to refer to AIRF's letter No. AIRF /5 (237),
dated 13/07/2012 on the above subject and to state that in terms of Para-20
of Annexure to Board's letter dt.10-06-09 financial upgradation under the MACPS shall be purely personal to the employee and shall no relevance to his
seniority position. As such, there shall be no additional financial upgradation
for the senior employees on the ground that the junior employee in the grade
has got higher pay/Grade pay under the MACPS.
Further, the issue for grant of Stepping up of pay under MACPS to senior
employees has been discussed in Joint Committee constituted by DoP&T, the
committee has not accepted the same and also the agenda item has been
de-linked from the committee agenda. As DoP&T is the nodal department of
Govt. on MACPS, this Ministry is not in position to take any unilateral decision
in the matter.

The undersigned is directed to state that as per the Cadre Training Plan(CTP) of CSSS it has been stipulated that all the candidates who qualify the Grade 'D' Stenographers Examination and are appointed as StenographersGrade 'D' are required to undergo the foundation training course (induction
training) at Institute of Secretariat Training and Management(ISTM). The induction training for Stenographer Grade 'D' is mandatory and candidates who have not completed the foundation course would not be confirmed in the post till such time they pass the examination conducted by the ISTM.

2.Cadre units are, therefore,requested to ensure that the Stenographers Grade 'D' are relieved for the induction training programmes conducted by the ISTM as and when they are nominated by DoP&T failing which the probation of the candidates who do not attend and qualify induction training will not be cleared.

Monday, August 13, 2012

On the recommendations of PMO, a Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary in June, 2009 to look into the issue of `One Rank One Pension and other related matters`. After considering all aspects of the matter, the Committee keeping in mind the spirit of the demand, suggested several measures to substantially improve pensionary benefits of Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) and Commissioned Officers, which have been accepted by the Government and orders for implementation of all the recommendations have been issued.

Government has constituted a Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary and consisting of Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, Expenditure Secretary, Secretary (ESW) and Secretary, DOP&T for looking into the pay and pension related issues of relevance to Defence Services Personnel and Ex-servicemen. The Committee has already had several meetings and the recommendations of the Committee are to be submitted to the Government by 8.8.2012. Action on the recommendations can be taken after the committee`s report is processed and accepted by the government.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM PallamRajuin a written reply to Shrimati Ingrid Mcleod and others in Lok Sabha today.

Central Government provides 10% reservation for Ex- servicemen in civil jobs in Group `C` posts and 20% in Group `D` posts. Most State Governments provide reservation for Ex-servicemen which varies from State to State as it is based on the total population of Ex- servicemen domiciled in the State and the rehabilitation policy of the concerned State. It is the responsibility of the concerned Government to implement the reservation policy. Since applying for Government jobs by Ex-servicemen is voluntary, data in this regard is not maintained.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Shri MM PallamRajuin a written reply to Shri Anurag Singh Thakur in Lok Sabha today.

For this Independence Day & Pushya Nakshtra, India Post has announced a special discount of 6.5% on purchase of Gold coins.

On 13th, 14th & 16th August 2012 any customer who buys gold from identified Post Offices in Delhi will get a special 6.5% discount of the day`s retail price on all denominations.

This offer is available in all 31 Post Offices of Delhi indentified for the sale of Gold coins.

These gold coins bear unique logo of India Post and are available in denominations of 0.5 gms, 1gms, 5gms, 8gms, 10gms, 20gms & 50gms for sale across counters at select Post Offices. These coins are having purity rating of 24 karat 99.99% from Valcambi, under Swiss certification and are available in tamper-proof packaging having benefits like internationally recognized certification, low risk of duplication, quality packaging, product standardization and numbering with assayer certification.

After repeated adjournments in Rajya Sabha and turmoil in Lok Sabha, government on Thursday agreed to members' demand for bringing a Constitution amendment bill for reservation in promotion of SCs and STs in state jobs.

Minister of state for PMO V Narayansamy informed the Upper House that a bill will be brought in this regard on August 22 after an all-party meeting, which will discuss the issue on August 21.

"The Prime Minister will call a meeting of leaders of all political parties on 21st of this month to discuss the issue of SC/ST reservation. This has been the demand of the honourbale members. On August 22, the government will be able to bring the bill in the House," Narayanasamy said bringing the uproar over the issue to an end.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talked to the members including BSP chief Mayawati on the issue in the House when it was adjourned for 15 minutes.

In the Lok Sabha, SP and BSP members trooped to the Well as soon as the House met for the day demanding reservation for SC/STs in promotions in government jobs.

With members refusing to relent, Speaker Meira Kumar allowed some of them to speak.

Shailendra Kumar (SP) said there was fear in the minds of a number of SC/ST government employees on the lack of reservations in promotions.

Panna Lal Punia (Cong) said Parliament had given SC/ST persons the right to reservation in government jobs and five persons cannot take away this right.

Dara Singh Chauhan (BSP) demanded that the SC/ST employees should be granted reservation in promotion in government jobs immediately.

In the Rajya Sabha, BSP supremo Mayawati said government had promised during in the last session to call an all-party meeting to discuss quota in promotion for SC and ST persons, but the meeting did not take place.TOI

In partial modification in the Notification No.14015/21/2011-AIS (I)-A and No.14015/21/2011-AIS (I)-B dated 10 th February 2012 issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (Department of Personnel & Training), the expression existing therein as "Select List of 2011(against the vacancies of 2011)" may be read as "Select List of 2011(against the vacancies of 2010).

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Union Public Service Commission has announced the result of the written part of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2012 held on 15th April 2012. Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of the National Defence Academy for the 129th Course and for the 91st Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from December, 2012.

The candidature of all the candidates whose Roll Nos. are shown in the list is provisional. In accordance with the conditions of their admission to the examination, they are required to submit original certificates of Age and Educational Qualification direct to the “Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant General’s Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No. III, Wing No.I, R.K Puram, New Delhi –110066.” The candidates must not send the Original Certificates to the Union Public Service Commission. For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission, either in person or on telephone Nos. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day. The result is available on PIB web site i.e. www.pib.nic.in and also at Union Public Service Commission’s Website http://www.upsc.gov.in

The mark-sheets of the candidates, will be put on the Commission’s website within fifteen (15) days from the date of publication of the final result (after concluding SSB Interviews) and will remain available on the website for a period of sixty (60) days.
Source:pib

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2012 Written Part Result Announced

The undersigned is directed to invite reference to this Ministry's Office Memorandum of even number dated the 8th December 2011, vide which continuous empanelment scheme was initiated for empanelment of hospitals and diagnostic centres under CGHS, AHMEDABAD. In response thereof M/s Apollo Hospital International Ltd., Ahmedabad had applied for empanelment
.
2. The position has been reviewed and on the basis of records and confirmation received from the Addl.Director, CGHS, Ahmedabad, Apollo Hospital International Ltd., Ahmedabad has been found eligible for empanelment under CGHS. They had signed the Memorandum of Agreement with CGHS and have also furnished the appropriate performance bank guarantee within the prescribed time limit. The hospital is therefore now taken as included in the list of approved hospitals for treating CGHS beneficiaries in Ahmedabad. The hospital will treat CGHS beneficiaries and charge at the revised rates with effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum;

3. This Office Memorandum and the rates applicable under CGHS Hospitals and diagnostic centres can be downloaded from the web site http://msotransparent.nic.inicghsnew/index.asp

Subject :- Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year
2013 — Corrigendum

In the list of holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2013, which was circulated vide F. No. 12/4/2012-JCA-2 dated 5th June, 2012, the following corrections are made :-
1)For the festival of Holi (at S.No. 3 of Annexure I), on 27th March, 2013, the Saka date may be read as "CHAITRA 06" instead of "PHALGUNA 06"
2)For The festival of Rath Yatra (at S. No. 19 of Annexure-I1), on July 10, 2013, the Day may be read as "Wednesday" instead of "Thursday"

Subject:- Clarification on the admissibility of House Rent Allowance to the Central Government Employees posted at Greater Noida — regarding.

It has been observed that payment of HRA @ 30% of Basic Pay is being made by certain Ministries/Departments to the Central Government employees posted at Greater Noida, in violation of the instructions issued by this Ministry in this regard, from time to time.

2. It is, therefore, clarified that Greater Noida was an 'Unclassified town/place for the purpose of grant of HRA prior to 01.09.2008 and consequent upon the implementation of the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission, it has been classified as class town/place w.e.f. 01.09.2008 vide this Ministry's O.M. No.2(13)/2008-Ell(B) dated 29 08.2008 on grant of House Rent Allowance to the Central Government employees and classification of cities/towns for this purpose.

3. Financial Advisers of All Ministries/Departments are, therefore, requested to ensure the implementation of the oforesaid O.M. in letter & spirit.

Subject:- Payment of Transport Allowance to Central Government Employees in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaizaibad and Noida.

It has been brought to the notice of this Ministry that some Central Government Offices located in Faridabad and Gurgaon are paying Transport Allowance to its employees at the rates other than that applicable to such areas and such payment is irregular. It is clarified that the Central Government Employees posted at Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Noida are entitled to Transport Allowance at the rates applicable to 'other places' i.e. other than 13 classified cities as per the conditions laid down in this Ministry's O.M. No. 21(2)/2008-E-11(B) dated 29.08.2008.

The undersigned is directed to say that the Department of Personnel and Training have issued instructions vide NO 1344/99-AVD-I dated 29th June 2001 and 7th April 2003 on the subject of honorarium to the Inqui0 Officers and Presenting Officers covering the aspects of rates of honorarium, appointment of retired officers as Inquiry Officer, terms and conditions for payment of honorarium etc from time to time. The rates of honorarium payable toIO/P0 were last revised vide this Department's
OM no 142/20/2008-AVD-I dated 27th July 2009. [copy attached].

2. A Conunittee of Experts set up to review the procedure of Disciplinary Nigilance inquiries and to recommend measures for their expeditious disposal under the chairmanship of P.0 Hota, former Chainnan of UPSC in May 2010 had made a series of recommendations in July 2010 including the rates of honorarium The detailed recommendation of the expert conunittee is available on the website of this Department. It can be accessed through the Link. http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT/Publication/CommitteeReport/HotaCommitteeRevort/Hota CommitteeReport.pdf . The Committee had made specific recommendations as regards the rates of
honorarium to IO/PO. The Reconunendations of the Committee on the proposed increases in
Honorarium relating to IO/P0 are contained in patas 37, 42-44 of the report of the Committee.

3. The recommendations of the Expert Committee on the aspect of revision of rates of honorarium along with some other related measures were examined in the Department and was placed before the Group of Mini,sters on Corruption, set up for examining measures,1 including legislative and administrative, to tackle corruption and improve transparency. The /Group of Ministers while considering the Terms of Reference also considered the recommendations of the HOTA Committee and recommended that the remuneration of the IOs and POs may be fixed, keeping in mind the recommendations of the HOTA Committee. These recommendations of the GOM have been accepted by the Government.

4. It has therefore been decided to revise the existing rates of honorarium payable to 10/P0 in line with the recommendations of the Expert Conunittee. The revised rates of Honorarium and other allowances payable to TO both serving and retired officers and PO(serving) and the terms and conditions governing the same is indicated in AOnexure -1 to this OM. The rates of Honorarium stated therein are ceilings and the concerned ministry/department where the misconduct was committed may decide the exact quantum of honorarium to be paid keeping in mind the volume of work involved in specific cases and the terms and Conditions indicated in the Annexure -1.

5. The revised structure of rates of honorarium and allowances as indicated in AnnexureI are intended to be made applicable to Departmental Proceedings including inquiry proceedings undertaken by the committee on Sexual Harassment, by Ministries /Department in respect of officials /officers serving under different cadres of services under their administrative control. However, in case a cadre of a service or organisations such as autonomous bodies have a separate set of rules and instructions for regulating honorarium to IO/P0 in existence they may choose to continue with their own set of instructions. Fully or partially funded autonomous bodies may retain their own provisions so long as they are not more beneficial than what has been proposed in this OM.

6. This orders will take effect from tie date of issue of this OM and will also apply to all inquiries in progress.

7. The services of serving officers may be used as IO and PO to the extent possible in the conduct of departmental inquiries. However, Central Vigilance Commission has been requested to create and maintain a panel of retired officers/officials willing to serve as JO for conducting departmental inquiries and for this purpose also design a procedure for inviting applications from the retired Government Servants to be followed by the Ministries and Departments. Till such time such a panel of retired officers become available from CVC, the concerned ministries /departments may, where it is not possible to use the services of a serving officer as Inquiry Officer for conducting departmental inquiries, use the services of officers who have retired from Ministries/Departments, for conducting such departmental inquiries.

8. This issues with the concurrence of Ministry of Finance, Depaitvide their UO no.14(4)/2009-E-II(B) dated 26.3.2012 and 5.6.2012.
9. Hindi Version will follow.

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